Let me begin by saying that I take no joy in discussing politics. With all the thousands of topics one could discuss, why would anyone chose talk about politics. Personally, I much rather talk about music, the beauty of God's creation, and my hopes for the future just to name a few. However, I want to take the next two posts to address an unnerving facet of the 2016 Presidential Election.
Though I firmly believe that there exists 299,999,998 better candidates, the most disconcerting feature of this election season is not the two polarizing candidates selected to run for President. What concerns me more is the swelling tide of fear and despair expressed by Christians of all ages. Whether it be in online posts I read or conversations I hear at church, there is a palpable sense amongst seasoned Christians I know that the sky is falling, and that we are in mortal danger regardless of the election's outcome.
Psalm 112:6-8 has a powerful message for Christians consumed with dread and despair. The psalmist implores us not to forget about the unshakeable and enduring power of righteousness embodied in steadfast hearts that trust not in flawed human candidates, but that trust in the Lord. According to the psalmist, believers with such secure hearts will have no fear of bad news and in the end they will look in triumph over any foe.
And if the psalmists still does not bring assurance and peace, then I suggest we recall the confidence and certainty of the vacation bible school songs we learned long ago. As a child many of the adults who are freaking out now taught me lyrics like, "...he's got the whole world in his hands," or "...my God is big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do." Has it gotten so bad that these lyrics now seem naive?
There is no question the outcome this election will have a significant impact on the country, but does it really have the ability to overthrow the Kingdom of God. Absolutely not. Sure the result of this election will likely worsen the discord, but does it really have the capacity to dethrone the Prince of Peace? Think again. Yeah the aftermath of this election will probably create even bigger messes for the church to clean up, but does it really have the power to usurp control from the creator of the universe? Not even close.
It is important for Christians to engage whatever culture he or she finds themselves, and this includes the painful act of voting. However, Christians need to manage the expectations of their vote. In a process influenced by millions of dollars and special interests, I don't expect my vote will usher in a new year of Jubilee and the canceling of debts. More likely, I imagine my vote "tries" to select a candidate who make fewer spills. For Christians will never clean up our country and the world in quests for power with a ballot, but only through acts of servanthood with a mop and a bucket.
CJE